Luke
I want to build on my previous post about the eye of the needle and a rich man going into heaven. Check out the blog post on March 24 (click here). That one was about the parallel passage in Mark 10. Today's reading is Luke 18:18-30. Not only is it impossible for a camel to go through the eye of an actual needle, but it is also impossible for a rich person to enter into the kingdom of heaven... on his own. The ruler in this story had asked "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" This question is similar to the one of the rich young man in Matthew 19, which I posted about on January 27 (click here). It's all about doing. We can't do anything, so of course it is impossible for us to get to heaven. But with God, through Jesus Christ, we can!
I think that the emphasis on the fellow being rich demonstrates that rich people don't think they need God as much as poor people, because they have the resources to get through life comfortably without really having to rely on God. So for rich people, it is more difficult to get to the point where they can depend on God for salvation. Of course, this is a major generalization, so if you have a differing view, let me know.
Showing posts with label Mark. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mark. Show all posts
Friday, June 17, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Counting the fighting men
Key verse
Mark 16:6 - “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him."
2 Samuel
In today's reading in 2 Samuel 24, David counted the number of men in his army. He did this because God was angry with the Israelites, 'and he incited David against them.' I see this act of David's as a lack of trust in God. He needed to know exactly what position he could hold against his enemies, rather than relying on God to come through for him regardless of the situation.
I think we can learn from this situation and realize that in our own lives, we don't need to know exactly what's going on. For example, we don't need to count our pennies and stay rigidly within certain guidelines; we should have the freedom to rest in God's provision for our needs. Instead of restraining yourself from something God may want you to do, go forward in faith, even if it may not seem that you're equipped for it right away.
Mark 16:6 - “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him."
2 Samuel
In today's reading in 2 Samuel 24, David counted the number of men in his army. He did this because God was angry with the Israelites, 'and he incited David against them.' I see this act of David's as a lack of trust in God. He needed to know exactly what position he could hold against his enemies, rather than relying on God to come through for him regardless of the situation.
I think we can learn from this situation and realize that in our own lives, we don't need to know exactly what's going on. For example, we don't need to count our pennies and stay rigidly within certain guidelines; we should have the freedom to rest in God's provision for our needs. Instead of restraining yourself from something God may want you to do, go forward in faith, even if it may not seem that you're equipped for it right away.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The thieves on the cross
Mark
I noticed in Mark 15:32 that is said the robbers who were crucified with Jesus heaped insults on him. However, in Luke 23:39, only one thief insulted him while the other requested that Jesus remember him.
After a little bit of research, I learned about a literary term called 'synecdoche', which means that a whole can be used to refer to a part, or vice versa. Thus, the scriptures can still be in agreement even with these differences between the texts.
I noticed in Mark 15:32 that is said the robbers who were crucified with Jesus heaped insults on him. However, in Luke 23:39, only one thief insulted him while the other requested that Jesus remember him.
After a little bit of research, I learned about a literary term called 'synecdoche', which means that a whole can be used to refer to a part, or vice versa. Thus, the scriptures can still be in agreement even with these differences between the texts.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
A trial or a circus?
Mark
What a joke! That's what the supposed 'trial' at the Sanhedrin was that Jesus had to go through. I was reading in William Barclay's commentary on Mark 14:53-65 that the Jews had very specific rules about how to conduct a trial in the Sanhedrin, which is the supreme court of the Jews. For one thing, they were supposed to meet in their own building, allow one night to pass before delivering a judgment, question the witnesses separately and take their testimony only if they all agreed. Well, upon reading the passage in Mark, we can see that the Sanhedrin met in secret in the middle of the night, the false witnesses couldn't agree on the testimony to bring against Jesus, and the court pronounced a judgment almost instantly. Indeed, they had really decided beforehand what verdict they would come to.
These people were so intent on calling Jesus a law-breaker and a sinner that they themselves were breaking laws to condemn him! The truth was clearly on Jesus's side.
What a joke! That's what the supposed 'trial' at the Sanhedrin was that Jesus had to go through. I was reading in William Barclay's commentary on Mark 14:53-65 that the Jews had very specific rules about how to conduct a trial in the Sanhedrin, which is the supreme court of the Jews. For one thing, they were supposed to meet in their own building, allow one night to pass before delivering a judgment, question the witnesses separately and take their testimony only if they all agreed. Well, upon reading the passage in Mark, we can see that the Sanhedrin met in secret in the middle of the night, the false witnesses couldn't agree on the testimony to bring against Jesus, and the court pronounced a judgment almost instantly. Indeed, they had really decided beforehand what verdict they would come to.
These people were so intent on calling Jesus a law-breaker and a sinner that they themselves were breaking laws to condemn him! The truth was clearly on Jesus's side.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
God's grace
Mark
Isn't the grace of God wonderful? He is so long-suffering and patient. Today's reading in Mark 14 drove that point home for me. Jesus was nearing his crucifixion, and he spoke with his disciples. He said that they would all fall away. Even though Peter denied this, Jesus reaffirmed that indeed, they would deny him at a crucial moment. For his whole ministry, Jesus drew these men to him and poured his spirit and words into them, likely knowing that they would desert him. But God loved them so much that he gave them a chance to come back afterward. And they certainly did, spreading the good news of Christ across the entire ancient world!
God loves us all and gives us all second chances. Take heart from the situation of the disciples, and if you've fallen away, decide now to recommit, and God will certainly bless you for that!
Isn't the grace of God wonderful? He is so long-suffering and patient. Today's reading in Mark 14 drove that point home for me. Jesus was nearing his crucifixion, and he spoke with his disciples. He said that they would all fall away. Even though Peter denied this, Jesus reaffirmed that indeed, they would deny him at a crucial moment. For his whole ministry, Jesus drew these men to him and poured his spirit and words into them, likely knowing that they would desert him. But God loved them so much that he gave them a chance to come back afterward. And they certainly did, spreading the good news of Christ across the entire ancient world!
God loves us all and gives us all second chances. Take heart from the situation of the disciples, and if you've fallen away, decide now to recommit, and God will certainly bless you for that!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Are we being generous?
Mark 12:41-44 -
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Just consider this story for yourself. Do you see yourself as being blessed when you offer back to God, or are you trying to bless God with your possessions?
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Clearing out the temple
Mark
Jesus wasn't just concerned about clearing out the moneychangers and livestock market from the temple. The temple area where these people were conducting business was meant to be the court of the Gentiles, the place where Gentiles could come and worship God. They couldn't move any farther into the temple, but they could come to this outer court to worship and pray. When the place was full of animals and people trying to do business, the hubbub was so loud that others could hardly think, let alone try and pray to God. When Jesus cleared out the temple (Mark 11), he said "My house is a house of prayer for all nations." He wanted all people to be able to come and worship God, not just the Jews. God is available for all of us!
Jesus wasn't just concerned about clearing out the moneychangers and livestock market from the temple. The temple area where these people were conducting business was meant to be the court of the Gentiles, the place where Gentiles could come and worship God. They couldn't move any farther into the temple, but they could come to this outer court to worship and pray. When the place was full of animals and people trying to do business, the hubbub was so loud that others could hardly think, let alone try and pray to God. When Jesus cleared out the temple (Mark 11), he said "My house is a house of prayer for all nations." He wanted all people to be able to come and worship God, not just the Jews. God is available for all of us!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The eye of a needle
Mark
Jesus said that it was easier for a camel to go through the
eye of a needle than it was for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God
(Mark 10:25). Some people have suggested
that a camel going through the eye of a needle referred to a small gate into Jerusalem, where camels
had to get down on their knees in order to go through it. Such a task was very difficult, but not
impossible. However, Jesus was likely
just referring to a real sewing needle, in which case it would be impossible
for a camel to go through the eye of the needle (referenced from the
Archaeological Study Bible). This latter
interpretation is supported by Jesus’s later statement in Mark 10:27 – “With
man this is impossible…”. That is, it is
impossible for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God
on his own. But the good news is that “with
God all things are possible”. Not to say
that following Christ will not be difficult at times, because Jesus also goes
on to say that we have to leave family and possessions and follow him
wholeheartedly. But we’ll receive more
than what we left behind when we go after God.
The hard part is that we have to give it all up in order to
receive. Ask God today to help you
loosen your grip on this world so that you’ll be able to receive more
abundantly from the next – eternal life with God!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Trust of a child
Mark
A child has a much easier time trusting people. It's somewhat unfortunate that we can't keep that same trust as adults.
Jesus says "Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
This statement brings to mind the trust that we must place in God for our salvation. Many children understand this right away, but as we grow up, we feel the need to examine this trust. We test God to see if he really is worthy of the trust. It is good to examine our beliefs and to make them our own, but at some point, we need to realize we won't get all the proof we were hoping for, and we'll have to take God on faith that he knows what he is doing, just like a child believes that his father knows all.
A child has a much easier time trusting people. It's somewhat unfortunate that we can't keep that same trust as adults.
Jesus says "Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
This statement brings to mind the trust that we must place in God for our salvation. Many children understand this right away, but as we grow up, we feel the need to examine this trust. We test God to see if he really is worthy of the trust. It is good to examine our beliefs and to make them our own, but at some point, we need to realize we won't get all the proof we were hoping for, and we'll have to take God on faith that he knows what he is doing, just like a child believes that his father knows all.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Why couldn't we heal him?
Mark
Jesus's comment about the healing of the demon-possessed boy was interesting. See Mark 9:29 - "This kind can come out only by prayer." He said this in response to the disciples' question about why they couldn't heal the boy.
Using God's power effectively requires a relationship with God. Jesus had just spent a long time on the mountain, where he was transfigured and spoke with Moses and Elijah. The majority of the disciples had remained behind, and didn't have the benefit of close contact with Jesus during this time. Jesus, however, had just been renewed in his relationship to his Father, and so was ready to go back into the world and continue his mission.
We have access to an inordinate amount of power, through Jesus Christ, from God. Are we remaining in Christ, and so using that power, or are we going about our way, trying to work miracles on our own strength, when we really need prayer and God's intervention?
Jesus's comment about the healing of the demon-possessed boy was interesting. See Mark 9:29 - "This kind can come out only by prayer." He said this in response to the disciples' question about why they couldn't heal the boy.
Using God's power effectively requires a relationship with God. Jesus had just spent a long time on the mountain, where he was transfigured and spoke with Moses and Elijah. The majority of the disciples had remained behind, and didn't have the benefit of close contact with Jesus during this time. Jesus, however, had just been renewed in his relationship to his Father, and so was ready to go back into the world and continue his mission.
We have access to an inordinate amount of power, through Jesus Christ, from God. Are we remaining in Christ, and so using that power, or are we going about our way, trying to work miracles on our own strength, when we really need prayer and God's intervention?
Saturday, March 19, 2011
A mission from God
Mark
When Peter tried to dissuade Jesus from his mission (dying on the cross), Jesus said to him: "Get behind me, Satan!"
This statement seems awfully strong at first, but after I read a commentary by William Barclay, I understood more of the situation that occurred in this passage of Mark 8.
We can be fully intent on following our mission. In fact, if it is a God-given vision that we need to carry through, we should stick to it wholeheartedly, regardless of the cost. Jesus said in a later part of Mark 8 that we have to take up our cross and follow him, if we truly want to follow him. Since he has already led the way, we can follow him with assurance that he will see us through. However, it may still be difficult or painful at times, and our nearest and dearest friends might try to help us avoid the trials in our way, with good intentions at heart. Peter was trying to help Jesus avoid this painful struggle he had to endure, and Jesus himself struggled with the idea of handing himself over to die (as evidenced in his prayer in the garden of Gethsemane). How close to his heart would these words from a friend come, and how tempting to follow them? Peter had to be rebuked quickly, so as to avoid even more temptation.
We have to be careful of advice from our friends. It may seem like wise counsel, to avoid difficult situations, but if you truly have a mission from God, you need to follow through whatever the cost, knowing that Christ is on your side.
When Peter tried to dissuade Jesus from his mission (dying on the cross), Jesus said to him: "Get behind me, Satan!"
This statement seems awfully strong at first, but after I read a commentary by William Barclay, I understood more of the situation that occurred in this passage of Mark 8.
We can be fully intent on following our mission. In fact, if it is a God-given vision that we need to carry through, we should stick to it wholeheartedly, regardless of the cost. Jesus said in a later part of Mark 8 that we have to take up our cross and follow him, if we truly want to follow him. Since he has already led the way, we can follow him with assurance that he will see us through. However, it may still be difficult or painful at times, and our nearest and dearest friends might try to help us avoid the trials in our way, with good intentions at heart. Peter was trying to help Jesus avoid this painful struggle he had to endure, and Jesus himself struggled with the idea of handing himself over to die (as evidenced in his prayer in the garden of Gethsemane). How close to his heart would these words from a friend come, and how tempting to follow them? Peter had to be rebuked quickly, so as to avoid even more temptation.
We have to be careful of advice from our friends. It may seem like wise counsel, to avoid difficult situations, but if you truly have a mission from God, you need to follow through whatever the cost, knowing that Christ is on your side.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The feeding of the four thousand
Mark
The feeding of the four thousand is not discussed as frequently as the feeding of the five thousand. I read something interesting about this story however. William Barclay suggests the following. The word used for 'basket' in Mark 8 refers to the kind of basket that Gentiles usually use, whereas the word for basket in Mark 6 refers to the basket that most Jews would carry with them. Barclay suggests that perhaps these two events speak to the fact that Jesus came to give the bread of life to both Jews and Gentiles. Further support is given to this hypothesis in that the crowd of four thousand was located in an area with a larger Gentile population. With this in mind, we can take heart that God has come to rescue all mankind, and that his gift of life is open to all who would hear his voice.
The feeding of the four thousand is not discussed as frequently as the feeding of the five thousand. I read something interesting about this story however. William Barclay suggests the following. The word used for 'basket' in Mark 8 refers to the kind of basket that Gentiles usually use, whereas the word for basket in Mark 6 refers to the basket that most Jews would carry with them. Barclay suggests that perhaps these two events speak to the fact that Jesus came to give the bread of life to both Jews and Gentiles. Further support is given to this hypothesis in that the crowd of four thousand was located in an area with a larger Gentile population. With this in mind, we can take heart that God has come to rescue all mankind, and that his gift of life is open to all who would hear his voice.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Feeding the five thousand
Mark
The story about the feeding of the five thousand is a a wonderful retelling of one of Jesus's many miracles. As I read it today, I thought about how the disciples must have been surprised to see the bread and fish just keep being dished out to the crowd.
Then I read William Barclay's commentary on this passage (Mark 6:30-44) and realized that this is the only story that is retold in all four gospels. This particular miracle certainly did have a great impact on the lives of the twelve disciples since the four gospel writers found it necessary to include it in their books.
If this story is so important, what can we learn from it? Barclay suggests an answer to this question. Jesus so easily took the little food that was available and turned it into an abundance. In the same way, he can take what little you have to offer him and do great things with it. If you give him your life, imagine what amazing things he could accomplish, especially if he was able to take five loaves and two fish and and feed more than five thousand people. I think that if you let him, he'll be able to do more than you could ever imagine with your life.
The story about the feeding of the five thousand is a a wonderful retelling of one of Jesus's many miracles. As I read it today, I thought about how the disciples must have been surprised to see the bread and fish just keep being dished out to the crowd.
Then I read William Barclay's commentary on this passage (Mark 6:30-44) and realized that this is the only story that is retold in all four gospels. This particular miracle certainly did have a great impact on the lives of the twelve disciples since the four gospel writers found it necessary to include it in their books.
If this story is so important, what can we learn from it? Barclay suggests an answer to this question. Jesus so easily took the little food that was available and turned it into an abundance. In the same way, he can take what little you have to offer him and do great things with it. If you give him your life, imagine what amazing things he could accomplish, especially if he was able to take five loaves and two fish and and feed more than five thousand people. I think that if you let him, he'll be able to do more than you could ever imagine with your life.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Trust
Mark
Following Jesus requires trust. Saying we follow Jesus doesn't require much work at all. Lip service is easy. But making head knowledge meet and coincide with the heart is something else entirely. I can say, yeah I trust God to come through for me; I trust that he has my best interests at heart. Deep down, I have surrendered myself to him.
Is that trust really true for your life? When it comes time to act, are you relying on God, or desperately trying to find your own way, and blaming him that things aren't working out as you hoped.
Mark 6:8 says that Jesus sent out the Twelve disciples to go evangelize the nation. Jesus told them "Take nothing for the journey except a staff - no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals, but not an extra tunic...." That's trust that Jesus knows what he is talking about, and that he will orchestrate what needs to happen so the disciples won't die in the wilderness between villages. That's what I need to live out in my life. Complete reliance on God, and the knowledge that he will come through, even if I don't see it.
Following Jesus requires trust. Saying we follow Jesus doesn't require much work at all. Lip service is easy. But making head knowledge meet and coincide with the heart is something else entirely. I can say, yeah I trust God to come through for me; I trust that he has my best interests at heart. Deep down, I have surrendered myself to him.
Is that trust really true for your life? When it comes time to act, are you relying on God, or desperately trying to find your own way, and blaming him that things aren't working out as you hoped.
Mark 6:8 says that Jesus sent out the Twelve disciples to go evangelize the nation. Jesus told them "Take nothing for the journey except a staff - no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals, but not an extra tunic...." That's trust that Jesus knows what he is talking about, and that he will orchestrate what needs to happen so the disciples won't die in the wilderness between villages. That's what I need to live out in my life. Complete reliance on God, and the knowledge that he will come through, even if I don't see it.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Speaking in parables
Mark
Mark 4:33-34 is curious:
33With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
Why would Jesus specifically use parables?
Gill suggests that Jesus spoke in parables because the crowd would have up and killed him directly if he hadn't cloaked his message. William Barclay, another theologian, suggests that Jesus spoke in parables to ensure that only the devoted followers would stick around to truly find out what he was all about. My take is somewhat along the lines of Barclay's, that they wouldn't have accepted his message if he had just outright said it. So, parables make some sense! They require that the listener actually think about what was being said and work out the message that is hidden within, rather than taking the message at face value and probably forgetting about it soon after
Here is a link to sermon on Mark 4:33-34 by Charles Spurgeon (click here).
Mark 4:33-34 is curious:
33With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
Why would Jesus specifically use parables?
Gill suggests that Jesus spoke in parables because the crowd would have up and killed him directly if he hadn't cloaked his message. William Barclay, another theologian, suggests that Jesus spoke in parables to ensure that only the devoted followers would stick around to truly find out what he was all about. My take is somewhat along the lines of Barclay's, that they wouldn't have accepted his message if he had just outright said it. So, parables make some sense! They require that the listener actually think about what was being said and work out the message that is hidden within, rather than taking the message at face value and probably forgetting about it soon after
Here is a link to sermon on Mark 4:33-34 by Charles Spurgeon (click here).
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Humble pie?
Mark
Imagine hearing what your brother said about you to a large crowd of people. You were coming to find where he was and to see why he was surrounded by entire villages. Someone kindly passed along the message, and your brother eventually heard that you were outside looking for him. And he said, "Oh, my mother, brother, and sister are right here in front of me" and gestured to the crowd immediately around him. And if you brother had a real claim to fame, would it be even that much more humiliating to hear that? There's no way you could say, "Hey, that's MY brother!" (Read, I'm so special because my brother is great!) Check out Mark 3:31-35, because I'm talking about Jesus.
Do you think Jesus was purposely trying to make his blood family humble by suggesting that they had no special claim to him? Or perhaps his family already thought he was kind of crazy, as did a lot of others at the time, and so this statement in Mark 3:35 didn't really mean much to them. But when Jesus spoke, he usually had quite an effect on the crowd, so I'm guessing this statement was meant to get people thinking.
Maybe what he was getting at was that those who actually believed in him and followed him were more precious to him than those who thought they could get by simply on blood relationship, or by doing nothing, essentially. I think a lesson we could learn here is that Jesus doesn't call us to a life of pride in the fact that we know God. Rather, we're called to a life where we live out what we believe, every day in all we do, just like the people sitting closest to him in the crowd, because they were focused on following him.
Imagine hearing what your brother said about you to a large crowd of people. You were coming to find where he was and to see why he was surrounded by entire villages. Someone kindly passed along the message, and your brother eventually heard that you were outside looking for him. And he said, "Oh, my mother, brother, and sister are right here in front of me" and gestured to the crowd immediately around him. And if you brother had a real claim to fame, would it be even that much more humiliating to hear that? There's no way you could say, "Hey, that's MY brother!" (Read, I'm so special because my brother is great!) Check out Mark 3:31-35, because I'm talking about Jesus.
Do you think Jesus was purposely trying to make his blood family humble by suggesting that they had no special claim to him? Or perhaps his family already thought he was kind of crazy, as did a lot of others at the time, and so this statement in Mark 3:35 didn't really mean much to them. But when Jesus spoke, he usually had quite an effect on the crowd, so I'm guessing this statement was meant to get people thinking.
Maybe what he was getting at was that those who actually believed in him and followed him were more precious to him than those who thought they could get by simply on blood relationship, or by doing nothing, essentially. I think a lesson we could learn here is that Jesus doesn't call us to a life of pride in the fact that we know God. Rather, we're called to a life where we live out what we believe, every day in all we do, just like the people sitting closest to him in the crowd, because they were focused on following him.
Monday, February 28, 2011
A solitary place
Mark 1:35 - Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left
the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Finding time to pray and rest, and just reflect is so important. Even though it may seem like we don't have the time to spend to do this, if you do it, you'll end up maximizing your time because you'll be able to think through what's important in your life. Instead of reacting to various situations or feelings, you'll be able to plan what you want to accomplish, put it in God's hands, and then actually be able to accomplish it. Try taking five minutes a day (or more if you can) and spend it in quietness and prayer, seeking God's will and planning for your week. It may make a big difference in your life!
Finding time to pray and rest, and just reflect is so important. Even though it may seem like we don't have the time to spend to do this, if you do it, you'll end up maximizing your time because you'll be able to think through what's important in your life. Instead of reacting to various situations or feelings, you'll be able to plan what you want to accomplish, put it in God's hands, and then actually be able to accomplish it. Try taking five minutes a day (or more if you can) and spend it in quietness and prayer, seeking God's will and planning for your week. It may make a big difference in your life!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Help my unbelief
Matthew
Today, I read about the story of the father with a demon-possessed son. He comes to Jesus and says that he had brought his son to the disciples, but they couldn't heal him. In the Matthew version, he doesn't even ask Jesus outright to heal his son. Then Jesus responds, pointing out that this man, and his generation, did not have enough faith. In Mark's version, the man claims that he does believe in God's power, but requests help for his unbelief.
Either way, Jesus had done many miracles before this one, so there was precedence for having a belief that he could do such wonderful things, and yet the man didn't completely believe. When we come to God and ask him to work in our lives, trust in his power and allow him to minister to you. Don't hold out.
Today, I read about the story of the father with a demon-possessed son. He comes to Jesus and says that he had brought his son to the disciples, but they couldn't heal him. In the Matthew version, he doesn't even ask Jesus outright to heal his son. Then Jesus responds, pointing out that this man, and his generation, did not have enough faith. In Mark's version, the man claims that he does believe in God's power, but requests help for his unbelief.
Either way, Jesus had done many miracles before this one, so there was precedence for having a belief that he could do such wonderful things, and yet the man didn't completely believe. When we come to God and ask him to work in our lives, trust in his power and allow him to minister to you. Don't hold out.
Friday, January 21, 2011
The coming of God's kingdom and Paul's quick thinking
Key verse
Psalm 37:39 - The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
Matthew
Matthew 16:28 almost seems like some of Jesus's disciples won't die until his second coming. But if you compare this verse to its parallels in Luke and Mark, you find out that in fact, it just means that some of his disciples will witness the coming of the kingdom of God through the Holy Spirit. God's kingdom came with power on the day of Pentecost, and many of the disciples certainly witnessed this event.
On another note, it's a comfort to know God doesn't require us to be perfect in order to participate in his kingdom. For example, Peter first announces that he believes Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, and will follow him, and then in the next verse, he tries to dissuade Jesus from his mission (perhaps unknowingly) and is rebuked - "Get behind me, Satan!" Jesus says.
Acts
When the text says "Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees...", I could just imagine Paul scheming in his head, thinking, "Hmmm, what will make these people get in an uproar?" The debate about the resurrection of the dead sure will!
Psalm 37:39 - The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
Matthew
Matthew 16:28 almost seems like some of Jesus's disciples won't die until his second coming. But if you compare this verse to its parallels in Luke and Mark, you find out that in fact, it just means that some of his disciples will witness the coming of the kingdom of God through the Holy Spirit. God's kingdom came with power on the day of Pentecost, and many of the disciples certainly witnessed this event.
On another note, it's a comfort to know God doesn't require us to be perfect in order to participate in his kingdom. For example, Peter first announces that he believes Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, and will follow him, and then in the next verse, he tries to dissuade Jesus from his mission (perhaps unknowingly) and is rebuked - "Get behind me, Satan!" Jesus says.
Acts
When the text says "Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees...", I could just imagine Paul scheming in his head, thinking, "Hmmm, what will make these people get in an uproar?" The debate about the resurrection of the dead sure will!
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